The Benefits of an Air Purifier
Posted: Tuesday, August 21, 2007
by Gary Martin
Mold Removal Unit
Indoor air quality is an increasing health concern. Pollutant levels (airborne particles, gases, chemicals, and volatile organic compounds) are actually higher inside the home than they are outside. Poor quality indoor air affects people to different degrees, depending on an individual’s age and relative health. There are different ways of protecting yourself and your loved ones against indoor air pollutants.
Indoor air moldA most common indoor air pollutant is air mold. Mold exists wherever moisture and oxygen are present. Inside your home, molds can often be found in damp basements, closets, bathrooms, air conditioning systems, humidifiers, and any humid place. Here are some steps on how to improve the quality of air in your home.
Improving indoor air quality
- The first step in improving indoor air quality is to attempt to control the source of the pollutant. If it stems from indoor air mold, smoke, or some type of chemical, you can actually remove it from your home through a thorough cleansing. On the other hand, some indoor air pollutants such as dust or pollen are not so easily eliminated.
- The next step is to improve the ventilation in your home. Bringing fresh air into the house by opening windows is not only helpful but also very simple. However, opening a window on a high pollen-count day or in a smoggy city will probably worsen the air situation in your home.
- Finally, you can purchase an air purifier. There are numerous types of air purifiers on the market—be sure to buy one that is well suited for the dimension of your home.
Air purifiers are designed to clean and purify the air people breathe. They can reduce odors and airborne pollutants that contribute to poor air quality, and filter common allergens such as pollen, mold and dust. Cleaner air benefits everyone, especially those who suffer from allergies or asthma. Air purifiers can be conveniently portable or permanently installed.
Tips on choosing an air purifier
Area Coverage – Make sure the square footage recommended for the air purifier is close to or slightly greater than the square footage of the room where you intend to use it.
Air Changes Per Hour (ACH) – This number informs us how frequently the air purifier can exchange all the air in a given room in an hour. If you suffer from allergies or asthma, you will want a higher ACH rating.
Filter Replacements – Filters have to be replaced on many types of air purifiers. Be sure to find out the cost of the filters and how often they must be changed.
Noise Level – Some air purifiers are very quiet, while others can be quite loud. Ask for a trial demonstration of the unit before purchasing it.
Energy Usage – Because air purifiers operate on energy and run continuously, the amount of energy they consume will be reflected on your energy bill.
Written by Gary Martin
Gary Martin is a freelance writer specializing in health and allergy research for the Mold Removal Unit website.
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